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The 2013-2016 IAAF Strategic Plan has six Core Values: universality, leadership, unity, excellence, integrity and solidarity, and a Vision Statement: “To lead, govern and develop the sport of athletics in all its forms worldwide, uniting the Athletics Family in a spirit of excellence, integrity and solidarity.”

The first Kenyan to win Olympic Marathon gold, Wanjiru set the current World record in the Half Marathon of 58:33 at the 2007 City-Pier-City Loop in The Hague, The Netherlands.

“The timing of the Mardi Gras Half-Marathon is perfect for athletes like me who are preparing for a spring marathon,” said Wanjiru, who will face Lel at the London Marathon on 25 April. “For me it's a great opportunity to see where I am before the London. Really, I am just looking to come and run a solid race and this gives me a great chance to see where I'm at and what condition I am in.”

Lel won the 2005, 2007 and 2008 editions of the London along with the 2003 and 2007 New York City Marathons. His 2008 London victory in 2:05:15 was a course record until Wanjiru broke it last year with his sizzling 2:05:10 run.

Leading the women’s field is Ethiopian Berhane Adere, a two-time winner of the Chicago Marathon. She’ll face New Zealand Olympian Kim Smith, who finished seventh at the World championships over the distance last year.